Comment on Colorados First Summer Tubing Hill Opens at Snow Mountain Ranch by Gretchen Yoder

The YMCA of the Rockies at Snow Mountain Ranch launches (literally!) an impressive new outside feature, and its already drawing the generations.

On Monday, July 27, 2014, The YMCA of the Rockies at Snow Mountain Ranch, in Granby, was host to quite a new celebrity in the outdoor family mecca of the United StatesColorados first summer tubing hill. Its almost alarming that we didnt have one of these before, as we are toted as the extreme, family fun headquarters in America. This has to be one of the most accessible, non-queasy, pure 20-second joys for children ages 2 100. Thats what makes this summer tubing hill so brilliantnot only is it bright white against the lush green backdropits the most fun risk I know moms, little children and even my own mother would take, I assume. My mother will be testing this out this fall! This was one of best adventures my children and I have had in some time. And, you know we are a well-traveled crew.

The official ribbon cutting was a one-two punch. We got Colorados newest thrill ride AND snapshots of the extraordinarily large scissors that were originally designed for the other side of Rocky Mountain National Park. These were the very same scissors that reopened Highway 36 after the historical floods in fall of 2013. This was heartwarming; the scissors might be a good luck charm with ushering in healthy, happy and safe Colorado journeys. I had to have a cut myself. After presentations from Kent Meyer, President/CEO of YMCA of the Rockies, Robyn Bartling, Landscape Architect with Design Concepts; Duane Sanderson, President, TDS Construction and Steve Goldmann, Chairman of the Board of Directors, YMCA of the Rockies.

It was time for the media and children to hit the slope. Never fearful was my 3-year-old, the youngest tuber of the day. I only wish I was as talented as the other mothers to capture her faces on video and instantaneously post. From sheer horror to overwhelming exuberance, we were up and down that tube hill 10 times in less than an hour! Hank the Tank, the more reserved of my children, was even more impressive. He had two YMCA staff members to accompany him and race down the hill over 15 times. He was the last one on the hill, Hank the Tank nearly missed lunch! But, not before we had some real tank women and men join us for the best surprise of the day. The Navy Seabees, as theyre called because of their initials CB for Construction Battalion, were working with the Department of Defenses Innovative Readiness Training on several projects at Snow Mountain Ranch and took a break as dirt devils swirled in their construction site a few hundreds yards away and hit the slope. Geared up, this was certainly a memorable moment not only for the core, but everyone present. Gosh, the YMCA really does make that magic of outdoor fun and multi-generational adventure affordable, accessible and most importantly, non-threatening. Whether you want to try it for the afternoon or book a longer stay at the YMCA of the Rockies, Snow Mountain Ranch in Granby, this is to-do for every family. And, stay tuned, as this is only the first phase of the 22-acre site of the Family Adventure Park at the resort. There is drive-up access to the tubing hill with a new 13,000-square-foot plaza housing a concession and equipment stand, restrooms, look out points and lots of picnic seating. Capital improvements funds paid for the tubing hill and the remainder of the project will be dependent upon donations and operational funds. For schedules, prices and more visit, http://snowmountainranch.org/activities/summer-tubing-hill/. A special thanks to them for hosting!

Snow Mountain Ranch Summer Tubing Hill from YMCA Rockies on Vimeo.

Summer Tubing Hill: The Stats

Snow Mountain Ranch guests can use this tubing hill free of charge! Members of YMCA of the Rockies or another YMCA (with proof of membership) can use the tubing hill for $15 per person and receive a complimentary day pass.

The prices for day visitors are as follows: 13 and older: $35 per person; 6-12 years old: $25 per person; 3-5 years old: $15 per person. A full-day activity pass is included in this price, and gives access to our mini golf course, tennis courts, indoor pool and sauna, hiking and biking trails, free family programs and much more.

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Comment on Colorados First Summer Tubing Hill Opens at Snow Mountain Ranch by Gretchen Yoder